Area residents may have noticed some increases in gasoline prices that may seem sudden, but according to trends from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service, the increase has been in the horizon for the past several months.

Prices in Star Valley are currently averaging over $3 per gallon but valley residents are not alone in seeing more of their money go into their tanks. Utah has seen their prices increase 60 cents per gallon over the last month. The Beehive State now has the 8th highest prices in the nation according to AAA.

The national average for unleaded gasoline was $2.73 per gallon on Wednesday, April 18 which is up 20 cents per gallon over the last month.

According to Tom Khoza, a global energy analyst for Oil Price Information Service, he believes that the national average will surpass $2.80 soon.

“Right now we have nine states above $3,” Khoza said. “I think we might see about half the states got to $3.

Prices are up 33 cents per gallon from last year’s levels according to AAA.

Khoza expects gas prices to peak in July.